Datalink Message Transformer for Visual Aircraft Ground Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft ground movement systems rely heavily on voice and text-based communication, which can lead to errors for non-English speaking pilots or those unfamiliar with the airport, increasing pilot workload and the risk of navigation mistakes.
Innovation Solution
A datalink message transformer apparatus that converts Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) messages into graphical, application, and actuator commands, using a sequence identifier and action generator to generate intuitive guidance for pilots, enabling efficient and safe ground operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voice and text-based communication is used for aircraft ground movement coordination, then communication between air traffic controllers and pilots is enabled, but pilot workload increases and navigation errors occur for non-English speaking pilots or those unfamiliar with the airport
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts voice ATC instructions into visual graphical representations on a display device. This intermediary translates the complex verbal communication into intuitive visual cues such as colored path segments and navigation markers, reducing the cognitive burden on pilots while maintaining accurate navigation guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/verbal communication method (voice instructions requiring language processing and mental mapping) with a visual display system that directly presents navigation information graphically. This substitution eliminates the need for pilots to mentally translate and interpret voice commands, significantly reducing workload and potential for error
2Reliability
If voice and text-based communication is used for aircraft ground movement coordination, then communication between air traffic controllers and pilots is enabled, but errors in communication, judgement or situational awareness may prove costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts voice ATC instructions into visual graphical representations on a display device. This intermediary translates the complex verbal communication into intuitive visual cues such as colored path segments and navigation markers, reducing the cognitive burden on pilots while maintaining accurate navigation guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous visual feedback to the pilot through the display device, showing the current navigation path, upcoming turns, and position relative to the desired route. This feedback mechanism allows pilots to continuously verify their understanding and situational awareness without relying solely on memory or interpretation of voice instructions
Data Source
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Figure 1B
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AI summary
A datalink message transformer apparatus (116) may convert a text-based datalink message into graphical, application, browser, and actuator commands for enhanced safety, autonomy, and trajectory-based operations enablement on ground side. An aircraft may include one or more processors which execute the datalink message transformer apparatus. The text-based datalink message may be Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) messages.